Program Title: Advanced Lasers Program – Graduate Certificate
Duration: 8 months
Program Start: Fall 2014
Program Description: The Advanced Lasers Program is a unique, one-of-a-kind program
in Canada specifically designed to fill several market gaps in Canadian and global
markets through applied learning and technical training in photonics - the science
of generating and harnessing light. The Advanced Lasers Program prepares graduates
for entry into several economic sectors with employment prospects including but not
limited to: biotech and medical research; entertainment; fibre optics; holographic
technology; national security and defense; imaging; laser technology; optical
coatings; optical hardware design and aerospace technology. The program integrates
applied and theory based learning within the Ranking Technology Centre – a 70,000
square foot, state of the art training facility which houses Niagara College’s
technical training and trades program.
Program Outline (Courses Delivered)
Term One Subjects
 Fibre Optics
 Light Sources


Optical Systems
Opto-Electronic Devices
Term Two Subjects
 Business Applications
 Laser Maintenance and Manufacturing
Technology
 Laser Matter Interaction
 Laser Systems
 Vacuum and Thin Film Coating Applications
Advanced Lasers Program (ALP) Competencies: Upon completion of the program,
ALP graduates will develop a host of new competencies best exemplified as
follows:
1. Capacity to analyze the effects of laser energy, beam profiling and beam
modification on different forms of matter as well as the ability to
articulate the advantages of laser machining over conventional machining
processes.
2. Knowledge of and capacity to operate various laser systems (including and
not limited to Excimer, Argon-Ion, CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), Nd-Yag, Dye
Lasers, Ruby (Double Pulsed), HeNe (Helium Neon), and Semiconductor
Lasers).
3. Ability to analyze the characteristics of a variety of optical resonator
configurations in order to determine the effects on laser radiation
quality.
4. Training in and ability to design optical trains and beam delivery systems
for specific applications, including the proficient handling and cleaning
of optical components.
5. Capacity to characterize, use and test fibre optic devices and discuss
applications of fibre optic devices in a system.
6. Demonstrated ability to assess and evaluate vacuum systems in order to
produce thin film coatings, using a variety of thin film systems,
including thermal, sputtering, and e-beam system technologies to produce
mirrors, and interference filters for lasers.
7. Ability to analyze the non-optical subsystems and infrastructure required
by common lasers, including cooling, gas handling, and electrical (power
and
control)
sub-systems
in
order
to
maintain
and
troubleshoot
malfunctioning sub-systems.
8. Demonstrated capacity to analyze, design and construct circuits using
opto-electronic devices.
9. Ability to create innovative strategies for using laser technology in
business, using critical thinking and sound business planning principles.
Contact Hours: The Advanced Lasers program delivers approximately 560 contact hours
in a 'hands-on' format, which combines lecture, demonstration and class exercise
delivery methods in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility. The program is divided
as follows:


Theory: 308 Hours
Applied Learning: 252 Hours